Apple on Thursday implemented new app review guidelines for developers, requiring apps to disclose and obtain user permission before sharing personal data with third-party AI.
This policy change comes ahead of Apple’s planned introduction of an AI-enhanced Siri in 2026. As reported by Bloomberg, the updated Siri will allow users to perform cross-app actions via commands, in part by leveraging Google’s Gemini technology.
Apple aims to prevent other applications from sending personal data to AI providers and related companies. The peculiarity of this update lies in its direct reference to AI companies regarding compliance.
Previous Guideline 5.1.2(i) required disclosure and user consent for data sharing and prohibited apps from using, transmitting, or sharing personal data without permission. This rule addresses data privacy regulations such as the EU’s GDPR and California’s Consumer Privacy Act. Non-compliant apps risk removal from the App Store.
The revised guidelines now state that “you must clearly disclose where your personal data is shared with third parties, including third-party AI, and your explicit permission must be obtained before doing so.”
This revision may impact applications that utilize AI systems to collect or process user information for personalization or certain features. The rigor of Apple’s enforcement remains to be seen, especially since “AI” includes a variety of technologies beyond large-scale language models such as machine learning.
Other revisions to the app review guidelines, also announced Thursday, support Apple’s new Mini Apps program. Further adjustments include rules for creator apps, loan apps, and other categories.
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